Hamas in Gaza: Preparing for Long-term Control?

On 14 June 2007, after five days of heavy fighting, armed forces of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas overran the barracks and headquarters of the security forces of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the Gaza Strip. More than three years later, Hamas remains in firm control in Gaza, seemingly self-confident, having survived in power despite a tight Israeli–Egyptian blockade, international sanctions and a major Israeli military assault. Its transformation of PA institutions and handling of the task of providing public services indicate that Hamas has both the ability and the will to rule Gaza on a long-term basis.